The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Operations Officer - North West Surrey
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Operations Officer - North West Surrey
Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
Department: Operations England
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Home based / with some regional travel
Compensation: £30,247 - £35,585 / year
Description
As an Operations Officer, you will manage a portfolio of Licensed Organisations (LOs), primarily schools, alongside colleges, charities, local authorities, youth groups, pupil referral units, and young offender institutions.
While the DofE does not work directly with young people, our Operations Officers play a vital role in supporting and developing the organisations that deliver the programme. You will act as the key point of contact for your portfolio, working closely with senior leaders, programme coordinators, and stakeholders to ensure a high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable DofE offer.
Working as part of a collaborative team of Operations Officers, you will report to an Operations Manager and primarily work from home when not attending meetings, training sessions, and events, both virtually and in person.
- Building and maintaining strong partnerships with Licensed Organisations to support the successful delivery of high-quality DofE programmes.
- Providing day-to-day support, guidance, induction, and training to DofE leaders and staff.
- Developing and implementing organisational development plans with both short and long-term objectives.
- Monitoring performance, participation, and growth using DofE systems and online management tools, including eDofE.
- Conducting regular meetings with stakeholders, both online and face-to-face.
- Carrying out licence reviews and supporting the onboarding of new Licensed Organisations.
- Driving participation among young people experiencing marginalisation and helping organisations improve inclusivity and reach.
- Supporting the planning and delivery of regional and national events, including occasional evening, weekend, and overnight commitments.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across England and the wider UK through projects and working groups.
- Supporting grant applications and assisting with monitoring and reporting requirements for funded projects.
- Contributing to the delivery of the DofE strategy and England business plan.
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What we are looking for:
We're looking for someone who is passionate about supporting organisations, building meaningful relationships, and driving positive outcomes for young people.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and organisations.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent written communication skills.
- Confident delivering meetings, training sessions, and presentations both virtually and in person.
- A solution-focused approach with the confidence to challenge poor practice constructively.
- Ability to analyse, interpret, and act upon data and performance information.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Knowledge or experience of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
- Understanding of the education, youth, or voluntary sectors and the challenges faced within these environments.
Successful applicants will:
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Be willing to travel regularly across the North West Surrey portfolio area.
- Be flexible to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Live within, or very close to, the North West Surrey area.
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How to apply and interview dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
The deadline for applying for this role is: 16th August - Midnight
1st interviews will take place on: 26th & 27th August - Virtual via MS Teams
2nd interviews will take place on: 1st September - Venue to be confirmed
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan, and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays, and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave, and sick leave.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK, and complete a health check.
The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
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